Diagnostic Radiology CPT Reference

Diagnostic Radiology CPT Codes and Reimbursement Rates

Diagnostic radiology billing covers a broad spectrum of imaging CPT codes, from basic X-rays and fluoroscopy to advanced modalities like CT, MRI, PET, and nuclear imaging.

Reviewed by MMBS Billing Review Team Last updated Jun 1, 2026 Published Mar 16, 2026
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Diagnostic Radiology CPT Codes and Reimbursement Rates
01

Professional component (modifier 26) is the core revenue stream for diagnostic radiologists

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Abdomen/pelvis CT with contrast (74178, ~$95 professional) is the highest-revenue single CT read

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Screening mammography (77067, ~$60) is the highest-volume mammography code

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DEXA (77080, ~$25 professional) profitability depends on volume and efficient scheduling

Overview

Why Diagnostic Radiology CPT Codes Teams Need a Better Workflow

Diagnostic radiology billing covers a broad spectrum of imaging CPT codes, from basic X-rays and fluoroscopy to advanced modalities like CT, MRI, PET, and nuclear imaging. Each modality has distinct coding rules for contrast usage, number of views, and the technical/professional component split.

This reference organizes the most commonly billed diagnostic radiology CPT codes by imaging modality. Sections address proper code selection based on body region and technique, contrast enhancement coding, and the modifier rules that govern component billing in different practice settings.

Why Diagnostic Radiology CPT Codes Teams Need a Better Workflow
Challenges

Common Diagnostic Radiology CPT Codes Challenges We Solve

Every Diagnostic Radiology CPT Codes team deals with payer delays, coding nuance, and collection leakage.

Professional component (modifier 26) is the core revenue stream for diagnostic radiologists

The workflow has to support this issue before claim submission, or it turns into avoidable rework after the payer responds.

Abdomen/pelvis CT with contrast (74178, ~$95 professional) is the highest-revenue single CT read

When this area is inconsistent, denial rate, payment timing, and staff follow-up effort all get worse at the same time.

Screening mammography (77067, ~$60) is the highest-volume mammography code

Tight documentation and coding controls here usually improve both reimbursement accuracy and operational speed.

DEXA (77080, ~$25 professional) profitability depends on volume and efficient scheduling

This is one of the first places revenue leakage shows up when specialty billing habits are not standardized.

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Guide

The Complete Guide to Diagnostic Radiology CPT Codes

Quick answer

Diagnostic radiology billing covers a broad spectrum of imaging CPT codes, from basic X-rays and fluoroscopy to advanced modalities like CT, MRI, PET, and nuclear imaging. Each modality has distinct coding rules for contrast usage, number of views, and the technical/professional component split.

This reference organizes the most commonly billed diagnostic radiology CPT codes by imaging modality. Sections address proper code selection based on body region and technique, contrast enhancement coding, and the modifier rules that govern component billing in different practice settings.

Diagnostic Radiology CPT Code Framework

Diagnostic radiology billing revolves around the professional component (reading and interpretation) of imaging studies. The CPT code range 70010 through 76499 covers diagnostic radiology procedures, and each code can be billed as a global service (both technical and professional components), technical component only (modifier TC), or professional component only (modifier 26). For radiologists in private practice or hospital-employed reading groups, the professional component represents the core revenue stream, and accurate code selection determines whether the interpretation is reimbursed at the correct rate.

The distinction between professional and technical component billing is fundamental. A hospital or imaging center bills the technical component (equipment, technologist, supplies) with modifier TC. The radiologist bills the professional component (interpretation, report) with modifier 26. If the radiologist owns the equipment and employs the technologist, they bill the global code without a modifier. Most diagnostic radiologists bill modifier 26 exclusively because they are interpreting studies performed at facilities they do not own.

CT Scan Interpretation Codes

CT scan interpretation codes follow an anatomical organization. Head CT without contrast (70450, professional component approximately $45) is the highest-volume CT interpretation for most radiology groups. Head CT with contrast (70460, approximately $55) and head CT without then with contrast (70470, approximately $65) are billed based on the protocol ordered. Chest CT without contrast (71250, approximately $55) is the standard lung screening and pulmonary evaluation study. Chest CT with contrast (71260, approximately $65) applies to vascular and mediastinal evaluations. Abdomen and pelvis CT with contrast (74178, approximately $95) is the highest-revenue single CT interpretation because it covers the combined abdomen-pelvis study.

MRI Interpretation Codes

MRI interpretation reimburses at higher rates than CT due to the greater complexity of multiplanar image review. Brain MRI without contrast (70551, professional component approximately $65) is the baseline neuroimaging code. Brain MRI without then with contrast (70553, approximately $95) is used for tumor evaluation, infection, and vascular anomalies. Lumbar spine MRI without contrast (72148, approximately $55) is the highest-volume spine study. Knee MRI without contrast (73721, approximately $55) leads the musculoskeletal MRI category. Breast MRI (77046 without contrast, approximately $65; 77047 with contrast, approximately $85) is separately coded from the standard body MRI range.

Mammography Codes (77065-77067)

Mammography has its own code series. Screening mammography bilateral (77067, approximately $60 professional component) is the highest-volume mammography code, performed on asymptomatic patients per USPSTF guidelines. Diagnostic mammography unilateral (77065, approximately $50) applies when a specific breast concern is being evaluated. Diagnostic mammography bilateral (77066, approximately $60) applies when both breasts require diagnostic evaluation. Computer-aided detection (77061-77062 for digital breast tomosynthesis, approximately $25 add-on) is billed when 3D mammography technology is used alongside the standard mammography code.

Bone Density (DEXA) Codes

Bone density measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) uses code 77080 (axial skeleton DEXA, approximately $25 professional component) for the standard hip and spine measurement. Code 77081 (appendicular skeleton DEXA, approximately $18) covers peripheral measurements. DEXA is typically billed as a global service when the radiology group owns the equipment. Medicare covers screening DEXA every 24 months for women age 65+ and men age 70+, or more frequently if clinically indicated. The low per-study reimbursement means DEXA profitability depends on volume and efficient scheduling.

Fluoroscopy and Special Procedures

Fluoroscopy codes cover real-time imaging guidance. Code 76000 (fluoroscopy, up to 1 hour, approximately $30) is the basic fluoroscopic guidance code used during procedures performed by other physicians. Code 76001 (fluoroscopy by radiologist during a procedure performed by another physician, approximately $45) applies when the radiologist provides dedicated fluoroscopic guidance. Barium swallow (74220, approximately $40), upper GI series (74240, approximately $50), and barium enema (74270, approximately $55) are diagnostic fluoroscopy studies interpreted by the radiologist. These studies have declined in volume as CT and endoscopy have replaced many fluoroscopic evaluations.

Common Diagnostic Radiology CPT Codes (Professional Component)

CPT Code Description Prof. Component Rate (Approx.)
70450-26 CT head without contrast, interpretation $45
74178-26 CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast, interp. $95
70553-26 MRI brain w/o then with contrast, interp. $95
72148-26 MRI lumbar spine without contrast, interp. $55
77067-26 Screening mammography bilateral, interp. $60
77080-26 DEXA bone density, axial, interpretation $25

Official sources

Use these checks with payer policy, coding documentation, and remittance data before changing claim workflows.

Common Questions

Diagnostic Radiology CPT Codes FAQ

Answers to the questions practice owners ask most often.

The professional component (modifier 26) covers the radiologist interpretation, report, and clinical correlation. The technical component (modifier TC) covers the equipment, technologist, room, and supplies. A global bill (no modifier) includes both. Most employed or contracted radiologists bill only the professional component because the facility owns the equipment. The professional component typically represents 25% to 40% of the global reimbursement depending on the study type.

Bill the standard mammography code (77067 for screening, 77065/77066 for diagnostic) plus the tomosynthesis add-on code (77061 for unilateral or 77062 for bilateral). The add-on code reimburses approximately $25 for the professional component. Both codes require modifier 26 if billing only the interpretation. Some payers bundle the tomosynthesis into the base mammography code, so verify payer-specific payment policies before assuming the add-on will be paid separately.

Use 76000 when fluoroscopy is performed as a standalone service or as guidance for a procedure where the radiologist is operating the fluoroscopy equipment. Use 76001 when a separate radiologist provides fluoroscopic guidance during a procedure performed by another physician (for example, a radiologist guiding fluoroscopy while an orthopedic surgeon performs a fracture reduction). Code 76001 requires that the radiologist be physically present and directing the fluoroscopy, not just interpreting images after the fact.

CT and MRI codes are organized by body region and then by contrast protocol. Each body region has three codes: without contrast, with contrast, and without then with contrast. For example, head CT: 70450 (without), 70460 (with), 70470 (without then with). Chest CT: 71250, 71260, 71270. The "without then with" code reimburses the highest because it involves interpreting two complete image sets. Always select the code matching the actual protocol performed, not the protocol ordered, if they differ.

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